Medicinal plants used for gastrointestinal disorders and their commercialisation in the municipality of Isidro Fabela, State of Mexico

Alessandra Condac

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

In the exploration of traditional medicinal practices within the municipality of Isidro Fabela, State of Mexico, this thesis emphasizes the ethnobotanical significance of medicinal plants and the application of traditional knowledge. Focusing on gastrointestinal disorders, a prevalent health concern in Mexico, the research identifies 28 plant species utilized within local communities. These species, encompassing 17 different botanical families, are primarily sourced from the surrounding natural environments, reflecting a deep connection between the community’s health practices and their ecological surroundings. This relationship is not only medicinal but also economic, as the study delves into the commercial aspects of these plants within local markets, introducing aspects about the sustainability of current harvesting practices. The plants are most commonly used for treating ailments such as stomach pain, indigestion, and diarrhoea, symptoms that are prevalent in the community. The preparation methods of these plants, primarily through infusions, highlight the traditional techniques passed down through generations. The research underscores the importance of conserving this traditional knowledge to sustain the local culture and biodiversity, recommending further studies to explore the commercial viability and ecological impacts of medicinal plant use in the area.

Keywords

medicinal plants, Mexico, native species, traditional knowledge, ethnobotany

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 20. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 28. 5. 2024
• Supervisor: prof. Ing. Eloy Fernández Cusimamani, Ph.D.
• Reader: Soham Bhattacharya, MSc

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Bachelor programme:
International Cooperation in Agricultural and Rural Development